Category: Press Release

The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone continues to woo investors and tourism experts from across the world to start doing business with Sierra Leone.

On Thursday March 7, 2019 in Berlin, Germany, officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs together with the Sierra Leone Embassy in Berlin held key meetings with top tourism marketing executives, documentary filmakers and hospitality training experts.

The discussions led to revelations that Sierra Leone like many other West African countries were not attracting too many tourists because of weak marketing.

Documentary Film-maker, Sascha Gottschalk of Filmemacher Deutschland had this to say.

“You need to show how beautiful your country is. Most Western tourists only think about East Africa when it comes to tourism in Africa. West African countries need to market the beautiful things they have to attract those tourists.”

The acute lack of expertise among staff in the hospitality industry in Sierra Leone is militating against the growth and development of the sector.

Minister of Tourism, Memunatu Pratt is ready to bring sanity in that direction.

During discussions with Bok Lardner of Terenga College, Nigeria, the need to train and develop professionals in the hospitality industry was laid bare.

Cobra Verde, Group Tour Expert also assured the Minister of Tourism that they were prepared to assess the touristic potentials of Sierra Leone with a view to marketing her to tourists.

The Acting General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Madam Fatmata Abe-Osagie said her institution would work round the clock to improve tourism in Sierra Leone.

Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh and the Director of Culture, Foday Jalloh made brilliant interventions that would translate to national progress in the area of tourism and cultural affairs.

Sierra Leone: Hawaii in Africa

03/07/2019

At its press conference at ITB Berlin 2019 the West African country was in a confident and buoyant mood. Following political unrest and a serious Ebola epidemic in the period up to 2016, tourism has now become an increasingly important economic factor. Tourism Minister Dr. Memunatu Pratt invited travellers as well as investors to visit his country and participate in the emerging tourism sector. The country intends to focus on the wildlife and eco-tourism market. “In Sierra Leone, as well as elephants and the pygmy hippopotamus, visitors can find innumerable bird and ape species“, said Memunatu Pratt. In addition to wildlife and eco-tourists, beach holidaymakers and water sports enthusiasts will get their money’s worth too“, added Memunatu Pratt. “There is a reason why Sierra Leone is known as ’Hawaii in Africa’.

Ambassador M`Baimba Lamin Baryoh added that the West African country can be considered politically stable now, and safe. “Sierra Leone is de facto the third-safest country in Africa, and the capital Freetown is the safest in West Africa“, he said. “And safer than Berlin”, he added with a smile. The fight against corruption was so successful that investors were finding Sierra Leone an attractive proposition too.

M`Baimba Lamin Baryoh also stressed that Sierra Leone’s new government under President Julius Maada Bio – who has been in office for ten months – wanted to make sure that flights to the West African country would become cheaper in future.

Freetown, Sierra Leone, March 4, 2019 – Sierra Leone honored Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country this past week, with three major announcements – first, bestowing the country’s highest honors on Dr Jane Goodall; second, the announcement of changes in the visa policy to allow for visas on arrival; and third, the declaration of the Western Chimpanzee as the National Animal of Sierra Leone. These announcements coincide with the 27th anniversary of the founding of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary of which Jane Goodall played an instrumental role.

Announcement #1 – The Order of the Rokel

The Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest and most prestigious decoration, is awarded to those in Sierra Leone who have made valuable contributions to the country. The award was presented to Dr. Jane Goodall on February 27th in recognition of her diligent and committed work to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the conservation of the biodiversity in the country. Tacugama is Sierra Leone’s first and only sanctuary and it is located just 30 minutes from the capital, Freetown. The sanctuary plays a critical role in protecting the country’s rich biodiversity, two of Freetown’s main water catchments and the critically endangered western chimpanzees.

“What an honor, I am truly, truly humbled. I don’t really feel I deserve this, but I want to assure you that I will do my level best to do everything I can do help conservation in Sierra Leone,” said Dr. Jane Goodall upon receiving the honor.“ I am committed to doing what I can in Sierra Leone. You have wonderful forests that people from around the world would be excited to visit. I thank you for this. It is very special to me. It’s very moving. Thank you.”

“The honor is yours and you deserve this particular Order. Thank you very much for your hard work and dedication around the world,” said H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone. “I am a conservationist. I promise that I will do my best to support wildlife protection. Thank you so much for accepting our honor.”

Announcement #2 – Visa on Arrival

Dr. Jane Goodall’s visit comes at the perfect time as Sierra Leone prepares to reintroduce itself on the world tourism stage. Wildlife tourism, conservation, and sustainability are taking top billing on the global tourism stage and Dr. Jane Goodall’s stature as a world-leading-conservationist provides an important global platform for Sierra Leone’s growth as a new tourism destination.

As a first step towards its re-emergence as a tourism destination, Sierra Leone is launching a new visa on arrival and eVisa system making it much easier to visit the destination.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of Sierra Leone announced the new visa system at a State Dinner at the President’s residence in honor of Jane Goodall this past Wednesday night.

“We are working towards putting infrastructure in place to declare Sierra Leone a visa-free country which means so many people around the world can just jump on a plane and come to Sierra Leone and get a visa on arrival. This country does not have a lot of foreign Missions across the world so the best way you can encourage tourists, business people and investors to come is to make things easy for them. We are also looking at instituting an eVisa system which means you could sit down in your home and apply for your visa electronically to come to Sierra Leone. We are investing in infrastructure.”

“[Tourism] means a lot for the future of Sierra Leone,” continued Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. “We see it as an entry point for rebranding Sierra Leone. We want to send a strong signal to the world that Sierra Leone is open for business and also for tourism. We see the tourism sector as one of the vehicles to drive diversification of the economy. We see that it is able to stimulate growth and also build an economic base that offers jobs for boys and girls across the country.”

The World Bank who supported the event as part of their commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, drew attention to the clear linkages between conservation and economic development. Gayle Martin, Country Manager of the World Bank gave several examples of countries that have transformed their tourism sectors with good conservation practices and encouraged Sierra Leone to follow suite.

Sierra Leone is home to one of the largest western chimpanzee populations in the world. They are the flagship species for tropical forests and woodland areas and play a key role in maintaining the health and diversity of their ecosystems. Their decline, and potential extinction, may precipitate the decline of other culturally, economically and /or ecologically important species and the ecosystem in which they live. Dr. Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees and Tacugama has had a huge and positive impact on saving the chimpanzee and the chain reaction that brings.

For that reason, Sierra Leone, in a special ceremony held at Freetown’s Bintumani Conference Centre this past Thursday evening, has named the chimpanzee the National Animal of Sierra Leone. Minister of Agriculture Dr. Joseph J Ndanema made the announcement stating, “Chimpanzees are part of Sierra’s Leone’s cultural heritage…as such, we have a moral duty to conserve their legacy so that we can share it with future generations. On this note, with concurrence from other ministries, departments and agencies and with the endorsement from His Excellency the President, I as Minister of Agriculture, hereby declare the western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) as the National Animal of Sierra Leone.”

It is expected, with this new designation, the positive role chimpanzees and their habitats play in providing direct and indirect benefits to local communities will greatly increase. It is also hoped that Jane’s visit will showcase the country’s sustainable tourism offerings and increase awareness of the need for conservation of these critically endangered species.

Also announced was that HE Fatima Jabbe-Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, will become a Patron of Tacugama further emphasizing the administration’s commitment to conservation and the special place Tacugama holds in the tourism fabric of the country.

At the British Council this past Friday, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer addressed 300 children who marched from the Youyi Building to the Cotton Tree and then onwards to the British Council waving signs in support of Jane Goodall and conservation efforts across the country. Dr. Jane Goodall inspired the children with stories of her childhood, and officially launched ‘Roots and Shoots Sierra Leone’ – a program that seeks to inspire an interest in conservation from an early age. Roots & Shoots Sierra Leone will be sponsored by UNICEF.

With its palm-fringed beaches, breathtaking mountains, tropical rain forests and vibrant culture, Salone is one of West Africa’s most alluring destinations. The true African Sierra.

About Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global community conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. By protecting chimpanzees and inspiring action to conserve the natural world. JGI improves the lives of people, animals and the environment. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Jane Goodall, JGI makes a difference through community-centered conservation and the innovative use of science and technology. JGI works closely with local communities around the world, inspiring hope through the collective power of individual action. Through Roots & Shoots, JGI’s youth-led community action and learning program, young people in nearly 80 countries are acquiring the knowledge and skills to become compassionate conservation leaders in their own backyards.

Sierra Leone will participate in the world’s leading travel trade show in Berlin, Germany.

The International Tourismus Borse (ITB) which takes place from the 6th-10th March 2019 attracts professionals in the travel industry from across the world.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Memunatu Pratt has expressed determination to change the negative perception that the international community has formed about Sierra Leone.

Peter Altmaier, the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs is expected to open ITB Berlin 2019.

A Special Day, Sierra Leone Day would be used to celebrate Sierra Leone in Germany. It promises to be an unforgettable day.

Officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, Monuments and Relics Commission and the private sector are participating in the events.

Full highlights of the Show will be brought to you as events unfold.

The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone is tasked with the responsibility of marketing Sierra Leone to improve and promote tourism.

Freetown, Sierra Leone, February 21, 2019 – Sierra Leone will welcome Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country, February 27 to March 1st where, 27 years ago, she was instrumental in the founding of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The three-day visit highlights the emerging conservation movement in Sierra Leone as well as the country’s re-emergence on the world stage as a sustainable tourism destination.

Tacugama, Sierra Leone’s first and only sanctuary, plays a critical role in protecting the country’s rich biodiversity, two of Freetown’s main water catchments and the critically endangered chimpanzees. Since its establishment, the sanctuary has become internationally recognized, benefiting Sierra Leone’s people through jobs, wildlife protection, environmental education, ecotourism, research and health initiatives. Dr Goodall continues to provide inspiration to Tacugama by guiding and inspiring the Sanctuary’s future.

“We look forward to welcoming back Dr. Jane Goodall,” said Her Excellency Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone. “Her visit allows us to share Sierra Leone’s story with the world and to revitalize the international image of our country, which is critical for the development of sustainable tourism, conservation, and economic development. The beauty of our natural diversity, wildlife and culture is also a story that we want to share.”

Dr. Goodall’s visit comes at a time when wildlife tourism, conservation, and sustainability are taking top billing on the global tourism stage. Her stature as a world-leading-conservationist, provides an important global platform for Sierra Leone’s growth as a new tourism destination. The visit will showcase the country’s sustainable tourism offerings and increase awareness of the need for conservation of these critically endangered species. It will also highlight the clear link between conservation and sustainable tourism. Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, commented regarding her upcoming visit, “I’m looking forward to my visit to Sierra Leone and proud of the impact the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has had on saving the country’s remaining chimpanzees while providing needed jobs for local people. I am particularly excited to meet the children of Sierra Leone and share with them my Roots and Shoots program. They are our future hope.”

SIERRA LEONE HONORS DR. JANE GOODALL (DBD)…/2

The three-day program in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, is as follows:

• Friday, March 1st – Children’s March – 300 children will march from the Youyi Building to the Cotton Tree and then onwards to the British Council where Dr. Jane Goodall will address the children and talk about her Roots and Shoots program. Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer will speak at this event.

Setting stage for tourism Jane’s visit to Sierra Leone (a country known in Creole as Salone) comes at the perfect time as the destination prepares to reintroduce itself on the world tourism stage. Most people continue to associate Sierra Leone with its troubled past, so the goal now is to propel the destination into the future, showcasing the results of the its transformation into the next “must visit” location for both leisure and business travelers. “We are excited to show our “only-in-Sierra Leone” offerings, many of which will surprise world travelers,” said Mrs. Memunatu Pratt, Minister of Tourism, Sierra Leone. “Sierra Leone offers world class beaches, stunning endemic wildlife, rich culture and historical sites, adventure travel, exquisite local cuisine, and a warm and welcoming people, that make our country one of Africa’s most promising new tourism destinations.” Sierra Leone has one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in the wild anywhere in the world. Adventure travelers can also find little-seen wildlife such as the endangered Diana monkey in the forests of Tiwai Island on the Moa river, three types of colobus monkeys, rare birds and pygmy hippos. Sierra Leone recently opened a new Tourist Information Office in the capital city of Freetown, near the historic Cotton Tree, the oldest cotton tree in Freetown or possibly in the world and synonymous with freedom of the earlier settlers. That and the launch of a new Tourism In-Flight Traveltainment Magazine and investment in infrastructure are seen as important steps forward for the sector.

SIERRA LEONE HONORS DR. JANE GOODALL (DBD)…/3 Sharing tourism assets To begin to showcase all this incredible country has to offer to the world, Michaela Guzy, Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Influencer and On-Air Talent for OTPYM (Oh The People You Meet), and David DiGregorio, founder of CornerSun Destination Marketing, will be in Sierra Leone to cover the series of Jane Goodall events. Michaela will capture on film, the wildlife, beaches, people and natural offerings of this relatively undiscovered country. The film will be shown at a special screening in New York City in early spring, to set the stage for Sierra Leone’s tourism renewal in 2020. “The Jane Goodall visit, and announcement provides us with an amazing first-hand opportunity to show the combination of a rich conservation history and unknown adventure experiences visitors can eventually enjoy,” said Guzy. “We are sierraously excited to share the secrets of Sierra Leone with the world, and who better to introduce Sierra Leone as a sustainable tourism destination than Jane Goodall?” For more information, contact: The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone info@sierraleonenationaltouristboard.gov.sl or info@ntb.gov.sl.

About Sierra Leone With its palm-fringed beaches, breathtaking mountains, tropical rain forests and vibrant culture, Salone is one of West Africa’s most alluring destinations. About Jane Goodall Institute The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global community conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. By protecting chimpanzees and inspiring action to conserve the natural world. JGI improves the lives of people, animals and the environment. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Goodall, JGI makes a difference through community-centered conservation and the innovative use of science and technology. JGI works closely with local communities around the world, inspiring hope through the collective power of individual action. Through Roots & Shoots, JGI’s youth-led community action and learning program, young people in nearly 80 countries are acquiring the knowledge and skills to become compassionate conservation leaders in their own backyards.

About the Chimpanzees Chimpanzees are flagship species for tropical forests and woodland areas and play a key role in maintaining the health and diversity of their ecosystems, and their decline and potential extinction may precipitate the decline of other culturally, economically and or ecologically important species. Media Contact: Elisa Fershtadt, Public Relations CornerSun Destination Marketing LLC Email: elisa@cornersun.com/Telephone: +1 917-88-6554 www.cornersun.com

World Travel Market amassed thousands of Exhibitors, Trade visitors, and a cohesive B2B networking. On the 5th of November, which happens to be the first day of the Trade fair, Sierra Leone commenced the trade fair with a well-organized Press Conference, which gathered quite a number of top travel writers, journalists, key Tour Operators and top officials of the Sierra Leone High Commission UK. This Conference was timely and needed to be held as Sierra Leone needs to position as a destination that is ready for business.

However, the Press Conference was hosted to ensure journalists and as well tour operators were given the first-hand information relating to accommodation, destination safety, airfares, water transportation, Tourism assets potentials and readiness of Government in partnering with the right investors to achieve these slated targets.

The Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs gave a resounding speech that pulled the Journalists and Tour Operators to request for a Familiarization Tours to Sierra Leone in few weeks ahead.

With a short but powerful presentation, from the new Tourism Rep Tim, he showcased Sierra Leone by just sliding high-resolution Tourism pictures, which captured the minds and hearts of these Tour Operators. Tim was able to introduce a new Tourism campaign slogan ” Sierraouisly surprising” Just after the Press Conference delegates processed to the booth for further meetings and networking. Finally, a new organization for AFRICA was launched at the Trade Fair called ATB African Tourism Board, where the Minister made a keynote address, on the timeliness and implored the team head, that this ATB must serve its purposes.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its Agencies have embarked on massive touristic sites identification and diagnosis, as Bonthe and Turtle Islands signal hopes for the tourism sector.

Therefore, as the effort multiplies in positioning Sierra Leone as a set and ready destination, more tourism attractions within the country has been unveiled and identified by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural, The National Tourist Board and the Monuments and Relics Commission. During the four days feasibility and tourism assets identification, the advance team that was comprised of officials from Ministry of Tourism, National Tourist Board, Monuments and Relics with a heavy of presence of AYV and SLBC camera men and journalists to cover every discovery for both heritage natural tourism assets unveiled, this is to serve a coherent prove, that indeed Sierra Leone is a Green Gem that is yet untapped.

Turtle Island is made of seven different beautiful Islands, garnished with white sands and the tallest palm trees, which overlooks the beaches on every Island you go. The receptions from York, Victoria, Mania, Cheapoh and beyond sent a clear readiness and high hospitality of the locals that this time tourism must revive. With the already available cleaned beaches and nice people, it is now the call of the government to take the right steps as they have begun to do.

The Minister of Tourism and cultural Affairs Madam Memunatu B. Pratt on the very Saturday launched the official cleaning exercise on the Islands. This initiative was a laudable one and it was accepted by the communities and elders of the various Islands.

Sierra Leone’s Bonthe and Turtle Islands sent a clear signal of hopes that Sierra Leone could compete and be positioned as a destination that could stand out for international Leisure, sport, Yacht, canoeing, diving activities, which has the tendencies of shifting the tourist supply chains downward and sending the demand curve upwards to Sierra Leone, if only these Identified Islands and Bonthe Island are given special priorities.

Bonthe and Turtle Islands are indeed haven on earth, with beautiful sands bars, clear water channels, rare birds and special migratory birds are found the shores of these Islands. Interestingly Islands within the Archipelagos could be used for honeymooners, special events, Lovers Island and many more.

With these potentials, the Ministry and its agencies have placed hands on deck to ensure these beauty is not hidden but showcase to tourists and tourist generating regions respectively. These hopes will materialised if the right structures like proper water transportation is well handle with Private, Public Partnership approach as such investments are capital intensive.

This year’s trade fair in France at Port de Versaile stand out to be a one of its kind, as the event gathered thousands of tourism liked minded audience which covers tour operators, airlines, hotels chains, and estate engineers, investors for tourism destinations, cultural exchange consultants, tourism organizations, and new destinations where strongly visible, which the Sierra Leone delegation took advantage of giving the right and correct information relating to the destination. This audience plus added visitors presence on daily attendance basis, created the level platform to meet with the right people to relate our message, that Sierra Leone is safe, set, and ready to receive tourists from all over the world.

This year’s trade fair delegation was headed by Madam Memunatu B. Pratt, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. With her leadership and support the team was able to meet key benchmarks as strong indications showed to shift the demand curve for tourist arrivals to Sierra Leone, with every support from the Permanent Secretary-Mr. T.R.Gbetuwa, The Director of Tourism- Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, who was there to give the technical support, backed up by the Acting General Manager- National Tourist Board-Madam Fatmata Abe-Osagie who stepped in strong with the Marketing and PR skillful approach aided by the Marketing Manager- Madam Lucinda Kargbo. The Commission for Monuments and Relics was fully represented by two professional staff: Mr. Mohamed Farray Kargbo-the Communications and Outreach Officer and Madam Ann-Mary Kamara- the Admin Officer, who also showed up strong. Moreover, The Chief Executive Travel Officer of Tourism is Life Tours was in full attendance and gave relentless support to the achievements of a successful trade fair and the lead to meeting with Thomas Cook, a leading world tour operator. The Tourism Representative for Sierra Leone to France Mr. Olivier Thery and assistant Madam Zoumba gave their very best in designing the booth, and indeed the booth captured the right audience coupled up with the mass distribution of our local handy crafts, food items and many other promotional materials.

The genuine urge from the eyes of the visitors showed a strong signal that Sierra Leone will rise again, and the tourism shift we expect is not too far.

Amongst many activities was a one day a tourism press conference held at Pavilion 7, hall 3 by 4:30 France time. This one-day press conference was timely and the need was geared towards raising the profile of the country’s image that Sierra Leone’s Tourism potentials are huge and are ready to be tapped by those who are interested to tap from it. Not only that, but the team was able to create the awareness that corrected the negative publicity that has taken social media over the years. Therefore, the press conference was really needed to the international tourist generating regions that Sierra Leone is peaceful and ready for business. Many questions where posed to the team, but also answers were provided to those questions as wanted.

As the trade fair was a success, the last day was used by the Minister of Tourism and the entire team to meet with the Sierra Leonean Community based in France. The meeting was to discuss their full participation in creating the right awareness within the society they live.

Minister’s address at the International Press conference in IFTM

More deliberations went on and on with key Tourism minded investors like Thomas Cook who is really intending to be doing chattered flights, and to make Sierra Leone a tourist destination as with this we can create more night occupancy and right awareness to other tourism companies.

Minister of Tourism shares Sierra Leone’s investment opportunities with international journalists in Paris

By Mohamed Faray Kargbo and Kai Bockarie Saquee

“We want to build confidence and to assure the world that Sierra Leone is ready once more to attract tourists from theFrench Market.”

These were the words of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Memunatu Pratt to a cross section of international journalists at the French Exposition in Paris, France.

In a Press Conference organized on Wednesday September 26,2018, Madam Pratt told the Press that “tourism is the only asset that can transform Sierra Leone.”

While exhibiting the hidden treasures of Sierra Leone, Madam Pratt underscored the need to take advantage of the endless opportunities that the country is blessed with to tour Sierra Leone.

A video displaying the touristic potentials of Sierra Leone was viewed by all journalists who were present for the conference.

The media practitioners asked series of questions ranging from the peace and stability of the country to the infrastructural development of the nation.

In attendance were the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Tampa Gbetuwa, Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, General Manager, National Tourist Board, Fatmata Abe-Osagie, Alieya A Kargbo of Tourism is Life and Miss Sierra Leone 2018, Sarah Laura Tucker.

IFTM Top Resa is the biggest forum where top global tour operators meet to network and improve business relations.

Media and Communications Unit Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs King Harman Road